Description
Introduced in 3.8-litre form in 1961, the Jaguar E-Type caused a sensation when it appeared, with instantly classic lines and 150mph top speed. Its design owed much to that of the racing D-Type: a monocoque tub forming the main structure while a tubular space frame extended forwards to support the engine. The latter was the 3.8-litre, triple-carburettor, ‘S’ unit first offered as an option on the XK150. An optimistic 265bhp was claimed, but whatever the installed horsepower, the E-Type’s performance did not disappoint. One of the most elegant and efficient shapes ever to grace a motor car. The Jaguar 3.8 fixed head coupe is probably one of the most desirable ‘E’ types and this superb example has one of the most desirable specifications one could wish for.
Chassis number 885801 rolled of the production line on the 14th March 1962 and was originally UK registered as ‘951 WK’. Ordered in European, left hand drive specification the original distributor, and well-known racing driver Peter Linder of Frankfurt Germany who incidentally was killed while racing his own E-type during the 1,000 kilometres of Paris just a couple of years later sold the Jaguar to its first owner Mr R Rockwell of Konstanz Germany who took delivery of the car when visiting the UK under the tax free personal export scheme.
By 1971 the E-type resided in America in the dry state of Indiana. The current vendor acquired the car in 1993 from marque specialists Thoroughbred Motors of Sarasota, Florida having been partly restored, leaving just the bare metal body and front subframe to be repainted to its original colour. Repatriated to the UK in 1993 by the current vendor the E-type was welcomed and re-registered with its original registration number ‘951 WK’ which remains today. The restoration work including a bare metal respray to its original colour and a conversion to Right hand drive specification was completed by an ex Jaguar mechanic and by 1994 the car was in use once again mainly gathering weekend miles. By the late 90’s the E-type was laid up in a dry stored barn where it has sat up until now.
Having been stored for some time the E-type presents in good condition throughout. The engine and front subframe present very well as does the paintwork which shows very little sign of age. Included in the sale of ‘951 WK’ is a small spares package which include door cards, door handles and interior trim. Offered in the history file are previous Mots dating back to the late 90’s, photos of the restoration process, a dating certificate confirming the original specification as well as bills and invoices of previous work carried out.
With a little time and care this early example will be back on the road in all its glory, and with such a significant history and long-term twenty-five-year single ownership this would make a rewarding restoration project for any collector or enthusiast.
